Question Period Note: Indigenous and Northern Housing

How is the Government of Canada working with Indigenous communities to help address housing needs, particularly in urban, rural and northern areas?

• This government is working with Indigenous communities to address the unique housing needs of Indigenous Peoples, including in urban, rural and northern areas.

• This includes support for distinctions-based housing strategies and more than $2.2 billion in funding exclusively for Indigenous and northern housing under the National Housing Strategy.

• In partnership with Indigenous communities and housing providers, this government will continue to directly support building housing for Indigenous peoples across the country.

• The Government of Canada has established permanent bilateral mechanisms with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders to identify joint priorities, engage on policy and monitor progress. Along with other tables, these mechanisms support overall joint work on Indigenous housing.

• Federal distinctions-based housing funding is delivered by several federal organizations. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provide funding to eligible First Nations communities for housing programs and services. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) provides funding for the implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy and the Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, as well as to Modern Treaty and Self-governing First Nations.

• The $724.1 million Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched in November 2021 to support the construction and operations of additional shelters and transitional homes for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North. As of June 30, 2025, funding has been committed under this initiative for the construction of 38 new shelters and 39 new transitional homes.

• To address Indigenous housing needs in urban, rural and northern areas, the Government of Canada is making investments in the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy (U.R.N. Strategy), announced in December 2023.

  • A majority of the U.R.N. Strategy funding is to be delivered via a National Indigenous Housing Centre. A Request for Proposals was issued in early 2024 to identify a top-ranking proponent. Negotiations are ongoing through fall 2025.
  • Through ISC and CIRNAC, the remaining U.R.N. Strategy funding is being advanced directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to support their members, beneficiaries and citizens living in urban, rural and northern areas.

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